In the realm of health and wellness,
understanding the triggering causes of frequent
complaints, such as neck pain, goes beyond the surface. Frequently,
the root issues may stem from nutritional
deficiencies rather than just physical strain or injury. This
brings us to an interesting and less-discussed topic in the
Vancouver chiropractic world: the impact
of a deficiency of vitamin B12 on neck pain and
radiculopathy.
THE HIDDEN CULPRIT: B12 DEFICIENCY
Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient found in meat, fish, and
dairy products, has a vital role in our
body. It supports the production of
DNA, nerves, and blood cells. Its deficiency, however, can show up in various ways, often misleading, as
was well shown in a recent case
report by Mehta A, Lynch W, Jha P. (2024). This particular
case revolves around a patient who
came in with neck pain and
cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is a spinal pain condition where
spinal nerve roots
become irritated or inflamed, causing
symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and arms. Through a comprehensive
examination similar to one we perform here at Vancouver Disc Centers, it was
surprisingly found that the root cause of
the patient's symptoms was a severe deficiency in Vitamin B12.
This finding is significant as it demonstrates
the importance of our Vancouver chiropractic treatment plan which bears
in mind nutritional deficiencies as possible
culprits for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. (1) For this
case’s patient and those who come to Vancouver Disc Centers for holistic care, the appropriate
diagnosis leads to the appropriate chiropractic care (often a mix
of Cox® Technic spinal manipulation, exercise, and nutrition) that leads to pain
relief.
THE BROADER IMPLICATION FOR CHIROPRACTIC PATIENTS
What this tells us is that for anyone dealing
with persistent neck pain, radiculopathy, or similar
neuromusculoskeletal issues, checking Vitamin B12
levels could be essential. The symptoms
of B12 deficiency, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling, can
overlap with those associated with neck issues, making it an
easily unnoticed but critical area to explore. Your chiropractor can sort this out!
HOW TO MANAGE AND PREVENT B12 DEFICIENCY
- Dietary Choices: Make sure your diet includes
adequate amounts of Vitamin B12. For those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, considering
fortified foods or supplements can be beneficial.
- Regular Screening: Especially for individuals at risk (e.g.,
older adults, vegetarians, and those with gastrointestinal disorders), regular
blood tests to screen for B12 levels can help avoid
potential complications.
- Consultation: For chiropractic patients experiencing
chronic neck pain without a clear diagnosis, talking about the
possibility of a B12 deficiency with your chiropractor or healthcare provider
can offer new possibilities for relief.
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Umar Ellahie, on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
describes The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Schedule your Vancouver chiropractic
appointment today. We are ready to not only find
the root cause of your neck pain and arm pain but
also design a plan toward pain relief with gentle
chiropractic treatment and nutrition as your condition may need.
The body’s systems are truly interrelated and
recover via a broader, more cohesive
approach to health and wellness like you’ll receive at Vancouver Disc Centers.
See you soon!